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An online library for the change makers of the world and for those interested in social change, activism, advocacy and justice.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Annual Commons Library Survey

How do you use The Commons? What information and skills do you need to make a difference?

We want to hear from you! Complete this quick survey to help us continually improve your library. Respond anonymously or go into the running for a book voucher.

Thanks for your input!

A group of people walk across a road carrying a large banner which reads 'Data Centres are Energy Vampires'

AI Data Centre Resistance

The Commons librarians have two new guides to support this growing movement: How to Stop a Data Centre: a round-up of toolkits from around the world; and How to Stop a Data Centre in Australia: 9 areas of learning and action with helpful links and training suggestions.

Contributions welcome – we’re smarter & stronger together!

Text reads "19 Oct 2026, Skills Seminar: Creative Action Design". Loudhailer on a colourful splash of paint. Two logos of Australian Progress and The Commons Social Change Library.

Creative Action Design

Creativity is one of the few resources social movements have in abundance! Well designed actions call attention to issues, engage supporters and pressure powerholders. This skills seminar is full of inspiration and practical tools to make an impact.

Presented by The Commons Library and Australian Progress online on 19 October. Register.

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Become an Organisational Supporter

Does your organisation use The Commons? We welcome you to become an organisational supporter! Your support keeps the library thriving for all. Supporters get priority access to advice, tools, training sessions and more.

Find out more ways you can collaborate with the Commons and book a chat with the librarians.

EXPLORE TOPICS

Campaign Strategy

Organising

Story and Narrative

Tactics

Nonviolence

Working in Groups

Explore the full range of topics in Browse

BE INSPIRED

Inspiring Quotes

A collection of inspiring quotes from activists and changemakers to inspire hope, motivation and action…including quotes about hope, change, leadership, organising and nonviolence.

Lessons Learned

Lessons learned from movements and campaigns around the world. Explore what worked, what didn’t, and what organisers can take forward. The Commons can help you document your campaign.

The Passion of Activists

Watch inspiring activist and protest speeches by Harvey Milk, Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emma Gonzalez and more. Let us know if you have one to share.

It’s Been Done Before

History reminds us that social change is possible — people have done it before.
Their experiences provide insights, strategies and tactics for those working for change today.

Discover the latest featured resources used by changemakers around the world.

  • Promotional flier for the Community Summit: Can People Power Halt the AI Data Centre Rollout?

    How to Stop a Data Centre in Australia

    A guide for local communities in Australia resisting AI data centres, including suggested resources and training.

  • Text reads "Social Movement Research" surrounded by graphics of people protesting, a magnifying glass, a graph and a pile of books.

    Where to Find Social Movement Research

    A roundup of the best sources of social movement research, including research hubs, networks, academic journals, blogs and magazines.

  • Title reads 'Protests Start Here'. The title is on a sign being held up by a hand. Background image in blue filter of a large group of people holding a protest on steps of a building in a street. There are highrises and trees in the background.

    Protests: Start Here

    A collection of resources to explore protests – why protest, do protests work, how to stay safe, how to organise a protest, etc.

  • Title reads 'from fragments to threads how to document a campaign". A needle and spool of thread with flowers.

    From Fragments to Threads: How to Document a Campaign

    A practical guide to capturing the essential threads of a campaign in real time, ensuring that the story, power, and learning aren’t lost once the campaign is over. 

  • Front cover of the Election Defense Scenarios resource which includes an image of hands surrounding a ballot box with a tick on it.

    Election Defense Scenarios

    “Election Defense Scenarios” provides citizens with 18 crisis blueprints, blending history and law to support actionable responses, ensuring preparedness against voter suppression.

  • A group of people walk across a road carrying a large banner which reads 'Data Centres are Energy Vampires'

    How to Stop a Data Centre: Tools for Community Resistance

    Communities around the world are organising to stop the construction of harmful data centres. Access toolkits, training videos, maps, research and reports.

  • Title - 'Tactics Toolkit'. 5 icons below title. 1. Person holding sign above head. 2. Two hands in a cross. 3. a person sitting crossed legged. 4. Pen and paper. 5. A circle with a line though it.

    Tactics Toolkit

    Explore guides to activist tactics: benefits and challenges, how tos, examples and case studies, in depth resources and links.